If there comes a time in your life when you are facing mental illness or addiction, you may be prompted by loved ones, as well as professionals, to seek solace in spirituality. The definition of a spiritual experience varies greatly for different individuals and may include spending time in nature, learning to meditate, or committing yourself to religious practice. For some people who have not been exposed to spirituality, or have had negative experiences in their past surrounding religion, it can be difficult to approach this concept with an open mind. While spirituality is often thought of as separate from science and medicine, research is beginning to find the many ways in which these two worlds overlap and connect. Even for the most cynical seekers of wellness, there may be scientific evidence that suggests spirituality is worth trying.

Health Benefits

Even before the field of neuroscience began looking at every experience through the lens of brain scans, medical professionals understood the power of spirituality and religion to improve both physical and mental health outcomes for patients. There are a variety of reasons why this might be the case. Spirituality is often tied to religion and community, meaning that religious individuals are more likely to establish quality human connections and feel as if they are a part of something larger than themselves. Having a sense of purpose and belonging is essential to maintaining mental health, and mental health is intrinsically tied to physical wellbeing. People who participate in spiritual practices, whether as a part of a religious organization or while meditating alone, are also less likely to suffer from severe stress, and as a result, high blood pressure. The stress-reducing benefits of a spiritual practice make fighting off disease and healing from injury easier on the body and mind and ultimately lead to a longer lifespan.

Spirituality and the Brain

In recent years, neuroscientists have set out to identify and map the neurological process of every imaginable human experience, including spiritual awakening. While there is still much research to be done, the results from existing studies are incredibly enlightening when it comes to spirituality and the brain, as well as the implications surrounding mental health. One study sought to understand the way spirituality functions in the brain by using scans to identify the activity as volunteers recounted spiritual experiences. The results indicated that every participant’s brain followed the same pattern of activity, showing increased activity in the parietal cortex while reliving spiritual moments, and reduced activity in the left inferior parietal lobe as well as the medial thalamus and caudate. The parietal cortex is responsible for focus, while the areas showing less activity are responsible for self-awareness, emotions, and sensory data. This observation points to the common experience of feeling “out of body” or as if you have transcended beyond your physical surroundings during a spiritual experience.

Furthermore, one study found that spiritual experiences and depression seemed to light up the same areas of the brain, but have opposite long-term effects. While depression has been found to thin out the prefrontal cortex, regular spiritual practice can thicken, and possibly improve function in this region over time. The prefrontal cortex is responsible for many essential functions involved in positive mental health including foresight, decision-making, and the ability to change your behavior. This is especially enticing information when it comes to addiction, which is by definition an inability to change unwanted behavior. It seems that the spiritual aspect of the 12-Step programs offered by many recovery centers may be supported by neuroscience.

Chemical Process of Spirituality

A scientist may tell you that the human brain evolved to experience spirituality as a survival skill, and a priest might tell you that God endowed us with brains hardwired to commune with the spiritual world. Regardless of what you believe, spiritual experiences have been observed creating physical and chemical responses in the human brain. Finding a way to connect with the universe or a higher power releases dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure and reward. This may be why people who cultivate a regular spiritual practice are more likely to maintain a positive outlook on life and occasionally experience moments of pure bliss. While drugs and alcohol can also increase dopamine production temporarily, spirituality doesn’t come with the same cost to your health, relationships, finances, and happiness.

Reaping the benefits of a healthy relationship with a higher power is nearly impossible in active addiction, but with the right help, you can expand your experiences and find what brings you the most authentic joy. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, now is the time to seek help. At Burning Tree Ranch, we specialize in long-term care that produces real results, especially for those who have experienced relapse. Here you will find a team of qualified and compassionate professionals, ready to help each client through a customized treatment program that addresses all aspects of addiction, including the identification of co-occurring disorders. We know that the journey towards recovery doesn’t end with the conclusion of an inpatient program, and therefore we provide extensive aftercare programs to best support our clients during their transition into lasting sobriety. We also know that addiction affects the whole family, and therefore loved ones are encouraged to participate in the recovery process and take advantage of all our support resources. For more information, call us today at 512-285-5900

Everyone has bad days, as well as moments when it feels like no matter what you do, things will never change. While the occasional loss of motivation is normal, dwelling in a dark place where it seems like nothing good will ever happen to you again, or that you don’t deserve good things, is hopelessness. Feeling hopeless is common in people experiencing depression and addiction. When you are in this mental state, it is difficult to take a realistic look at your own life. You may not be able to see into the future far enough to believe that change is coming your way, or believe in yourself enough to understand how you can create that change. Because hopelessness is often the result of an underlying mental illness or unaddressed trauma, it is best to seek professional help if you find yourself incapable of feeling happy or positive for an extended period of time. However, there are a few tips you can use to pull yourself out of hopelessness in the meantime.

Get Out of the House

Depression and hopelessness often come with the desire to retreat inward and isolate yourself from others. This might mean avoiding crowds or avoiding the outdoors altogether, but giving yourself a change of scenery and being around people can sometimes provide you with the mental and emotional boost you need to get by. You don’t necessarily have to engage with others if you are feeling particularly antisocial, but it can be therapeutic to take a walk in a park or window shop at the mall. Being around people reminds you that everyone is going through their own experiences and working out their own problems, and you aren’t alone. Staying in the house all the time can feel like your life and circumstances are all that exist, but being around others can help you experience compassion and hope for the future.

Changing your environment is also a good reason to push yourself out of the house when you are feeling hopeless. Hopeless people are often surrounded by dreary conditions, perhaps in a messy house they don’t have the motivation to clean or in a dark room, they aren’t eager to light. A bit of sunlight and an aesthetically pleasing setting can make a world of difference for your mood. If possible, spend some time near a body of water like a lake or the ocean. Water can have an emotionally cleansing effect, and remind you of your connection to all other living things. While standing by the ocean might make you feel small, it can also awaken a profound sense of purpose when you feel you have none.

Unleash Your Creativity

Hopelessness usually grows from a feeling of stagnation. You may feel as if every day is the same as the one before it, or that you are stuck in a destructive cycle from which you can’t escape. Stepping out of your routine to do something creative can inspire hope and excitement about new possibilities, as well as provide you with a self-esteem boost by way of accomplishment. Whether you are already artistically inclined, or have never so much as picked up a crayon, feeling hopeless is a definite sign that you should seek a creative outlet. You can use painting, music, poetry, or any other form of art to work through your negative emotions, and perhaps pick up some positive ones along the way.

Ask for Help

You simply can’t cure hopelessness without human connection. If you are feeling hopeless, there is a good chance you feel emotionally detached from the people around you or are struggling to maintain healthy relationships. This may be a result of difficult circumstances, deteriorating mental health, or problematic behavior. Regardless of the underlying reason behind your lack of quality human connection, it is important to take the first step towards healing by asking for help. You may choose to turn to a loved one or a professional, but you should start by being honest with yourself about your mental health and lifestyle choices, and then be willing to open up to others. Living in a state of perpetual hopelessness is a painful and lonely existence, and there is no reason to continue to suffer when help is available to those who ask. Unfortunately, many people turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with depressive symptoms. Substance abuse increases the severity of pre-existing mental illnesses, and may also lead to addiction. Addiction alone can sometimes feel like a battle you can’t win, and without professional help, depression, and addiction can be a dangerous combination.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and mental illness, now is the time to seek help. At Burning Tree Ranch, we specialize in long-term care that produces real results, especially for those who have experienced a relapse. Here you will find a team of qualified and compassionate professionals, ready to help each client through a customized treatment program that addresses all aspects of addiction, including the identification of co-occurring disorders. We know that the journey towards recovery doesn’t end with the conclusion of an inpatient program, and therefore we provide extensive aftercare programs to best support our clients during their transition into lasting sobriety. We also know that addiction affects the whole family, and therefore loved ones are encouraged to participate in the recovery process and take advantage of all our support resources. For more information, call us today at 512-285-5900

Depression is an incredibly common mental illness, with over 300 million people suffering with depressive symptoms worldwide. Despite these staggering numbers, depression is still widely misunderstood and stigmatized. Many people who have never experienced mental illness still think of disorders like anxiety and depression as being “all in your head.” The truth is that all pain and discomfort happen in our heads, where our brains send signals to let us know something isn’t right. Symptoms of depression are often emotional, but they can manifest as physical pain and bodily dysfunction just as frequently. Understanding the physical symptoms of depression may help those struggling with poor mental health and their loved ones to spot the signs as early as possible, as well as change the perception of depression as a purely mental issue. While experiencing one or many of these physical symptoms may be a sign of depression, it is important to seek the assessment of a mental health professional to receive an accurate diagnosis.

Fatigue

One of the most common symptoms of depression is the feeling of being constantly tired and drained. While depression exhaustion can be mental, it often presents as a lack of physical energy. This may occur as a result of low-quality sleep, especially for those that attempt to manage their depression with drugs or alcohol. For some people, low quality sleep means insomnia and sleep deprivation, while for others it might mean sleeping constantly without ever feeling rested. Alcohol adds to this effect by interrupting the REM (rapid eye movement) cycle, causing the brain to miss out on the most restorative periods of sleep throughout the night. Incessant fatigue makes working and socializing especially difficult, and can contribute to the sad and hopeless feelings that often accompany depression. Fatigue may also cause a depressed individual to abandon their workout routine and become less active, which can exacerbate depression over time.

Aches and Pains

Depression can quite literally hurt. Just as when you have the flu and your body seems to ache all over, depression can cause mild pain and discomfort to amplify, becoming severely distracting and debilitating. Because our brains are responsible for producing the sensation of pain, poor mental health can cause inappropriate responses to varying degrees of pain. Research has confirmed that depression lowers pain tolerance, intensifying pain that would otherwise be manageable. For example, while back pain can be a result of an injury or bad ergonomics, it is also often associated with psychological health. While the factors determining this link are still being studied, research suggests that depression may lead to inflammation in the body, often concentrated in the neck and back.

Digestive Issues

Medical researchers are only recently uncovering the many ways in which our gut health impacts nearly every other bodily function, including brain processes that regulate mental wellbeing. There may be more science-based explanations behind the old advice to “trust your gut” than we once thought. Anxiety and depression often result in feelings of nausea, diarrhea, and general unease in your belly. Stomach pain or discomfort that seems to increase along with stress may be tied to depression. While there is still much research to be done, issues with digestion as a result of depression may be caused by inflammation in the intestines and stomach lining. These symptoms are often misdiagnosed as a purely physical disorder such as irritable bowel syndrome, rather than attributed to mental illness.

Headaches

Headaches are difficult to translate into a definitive diagnosis, simply because they occur so often and there are several different types. Some people experience headaches every so often as a result of dehydration or stress, while others endure excruciating chronic migraines. Headaches that occur almost daily and seem tied to your emotions, however, may be a sign of mental health issues. These are usually tension headaches, and while not as incapacitating as migraines, they can lead to irritability and make it difficult to find enjoyment in everyday activities. Pain relievers can help manage headaches, but if the underlying cause is depression, mental health care is required to alleviate symptoms for good.

Decreased Sex Drive

Depression can affect libido, which in turn may lead to relationship problems and mental strife. While it is normal to experience fluctuations in sex drive over time, suddenly losing all interest in sex may be a sign of depression. Some people who experience this symptom become frustrated because they wish they desired to have sex again, or that they could be on the same page as their partner. Without treating the root cause of decreased libido, however, improving sex drive can be a significant challenge for people struggling with depression. Studies have found that people who are experiencing addiction and depression simultaneously are at a heightened risk for sexual dysfunction.

Depression is a common co-occurring disorder for those battling substance abuse. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and mental illness, now is the time to seek help. At Burning Tree Ranch, we specialize in long-term care that produces real results, especially for those who have experienced relapses. Here you will find a team of qualified and compassionate professionals, ready to help each client through a customized treatment program that addresses all aspects of addiction, including the identification of co-occurring disorders. We know that the journey towards recovery doesn’t end with the conclusion of an inpatient program, and therefore we provide extensive aftercare programs to best support our clients during their transition into lasting sobriety. We also know that addiction affects the whole family, and therefore loved ones are encouraged to participate in the recovery process and take advantage of all our support resources. For more information, call us today at 512-285-5900

Willpower is a bit of a farce when it comes to addiction. There is a cultural misconception that if an addict truly wanted to quit, they would. Failure to recover from addiction is often seen as a lack of willpower or a form of weakness. There is a great deal of research, however, proving that willpower alone is not enough to overcome addiction, and what addicts really need is quality treatment and networks of support to maintain sobriety. Willpower can be useful in the beginning stages of sobriety, as it is often the force that prompts an individual to walk through the doors of a recovery center. However, no amount of pure force of will, or white knuckling through sobriety, will allow you to create a lasting sober lifestyle. By understanding the ways in which willpower falls short of beating addiction, those struggling with substance abuse can forgive themselves for past failures and look forward to lasting success in recovery.

Willpower Leaves You Suppressed and Isolated

Willpower is usually defined as the ability to resist temptation and control impulses. Unfortunately, many people attempt to use willpower to suppress emotions or painful memories instead of dealing with them head-on. By avoiding dealing with traumatic experiences in your past, you exacerbate the negative effects of the trauma, including emotional pain that leads to substance abuse. Addiction is a physical dependence, but it is also often the result of unresolved issues and emotional wounds. By using willpower to quit abusing drugs or alcohol, you are only putting off the inevitability of relapse and increasing the likelihood that you will continue to suffer from mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression.

Those that attempt to overcome addiction with willpower alone often do so because they don’t want anyone else’s help. They may be the type of person that believes they can do everything on their own, or they may be too ashamed to seek treatment. Either way, attempting recovery through willpower alone is usually a very lonely and isolating process, and you will likely feel especially disconnected when you find yourself relapsing into old habits without a support system to turn to in challenging times. Genuine recovery requires that you submit to the knowledge that you can’t do it on your own, and accept the help and expertise of compassionate professionals who know what it takes to succeed in finding lasting sobriety.

Addiction Changes Your Brain

Willpower may be effective in small changes, such as avoiding late night snacks or staying away from social media. When it comes to chemically addictive substances like drugs and alcohol, however, willpower is not enough to alter an urge that has been efficiently and insidiously programmed into your brain. Drugs and alcohol affect the brain’s reward system and create cravings that feel as if satisfying them is necessary for survival. You can promise yourself and others that you will not use drugs or alcohol again while you aren’t experiencing a craving, and you may mean it with every ounce of your being, but once a craving arises, you will once again be powerless to your addiction.

The desire to quit doing something while simultaneously wanting to continue doing it is a form of cognitive dissonance, and the experience can be incredibly painful and frustrating. Your belief system based on evidence and experience may tell you that alcohol has consistently negative effects in your life and that drinking no longer makes sense for you. At the same time, however, you may have thoughts about moderation and begin to convince yourself that you can become a “normal” drinker. For those witnessing this phenomenon from the outside, as family members or friends of someone with an addiction, this back and forth behavior can seem like weakness or dishonesty. In reality, the person struggling with addiction is likely more frustrated with themselves and their inability to keep a promise than outsiders can imagine. Not until your genuine desires line up with your beliefs can you be free of the deeply uncomfortable experience of cognitive dissonance.

The good news is that while willpower alone may not work to combat be neurological changes, a quality recovery program includes many strategies and tools for attacking addiction from all sides and giving you the best shot possible at lasting sobriety. These techniques may include various types of therapy and counseling, treatment of co-occurring mental illnesses, reliable systems of support, and the teaching of life skills to help you cope with triggers and stress.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, don’t rely on willpower alone to combat this disease. At Burning Tree Ranch, we specialize in long-term care that produces real results, especially for those who have experienced relapse. Here you will find a team of qualified and compassionate professionals, ready to help each client through a customized treatment program that addresses all aspects of addiction, including the identification of co-occurring disorders. We know that the journey towards recovery doesn’t end with the conclusion of an inpatient program, and therefore we provide extensive aftercare programs to best support our clients during their transition into lasting sobriety. We also know that addiction affects the whole family, and therefore loved ones are encouraged to participate in the recovery process and take advantage of all our support resources. For more information, call us today at 512-285-5900

Getting back to “normal” after completing a long-term inpatient addiction recovery program can be a challenge. Normal might mean something entirely different now that you have committed yourself to a sober lifestyle. You may have to find new friends, new hobbies, and even a new job. Whether you had the luxury of taking time off work to seek treatment for your addiction, or you find yourself looking for new employment during your transition back into daily life, you will need to foster skills that allow you to maintain balance and prevent yourself from becoming too overwhelmed in early sobriety, putting yourself at risk for relapse. Finding a work/life balance is important for everyone, but especially for those in recovery who need to conserve some of their energy for staying vigilant in their sobriety. Here are some tips to help you find balance once you return to work.

Don’t Immediately Aim to Become an Over-Achiever

All too often, early sobriety creates a sense of excitement at the possibilities that come with freedom from substance abuse, as well as an overwhelming desire to make up for past wrongdoings by taking on every challenge that comes your way. You may feel the need to prove yourself by filling your plate with extra work and taking on especially difficult challenges at work. While this motivation is admirable and may be beneficial to you down the road, it is important to avoid over-eagerness when it comes to working in early sobriety. Take on only what you can handle, and do a good job completing the tasks assigned to you. If you find yourself becoming stressed or anxious at work, talk to your boss about how to better manage your time or disburse the workload. Above all, your sobriety needs to take priority at this time in your life.

Show Up Early

Arriving to work a bit early, with plenty of time to settle in and grab a coffee if you need one, allows for a stress-free start to your day and the avoidance of any repercussions from the boss. It is likely that when you were in active addiction you had a hard time being punctual in the workplace, if you decided to show up at all. Now that you are sober, you have the luxury of restful nights and early mornings. Getting up a bit earlier in the morning and arriving to work with time to spare gives your day a relaxing yet productive energy, and lets your team know that you care about your job.

Check in with Your Recovery Needs

Transitioning back to the public sphere after an inpatient treatment program is just that, a transition. It requires a slow pace and a great deal of self-assessment in the process. You may have a sponsor or counselor with whom you still have contact, and it is important to check in with them regularly to keep yourself accountable and talk about how you are managing stress. You will be a better worker and a more productive member of society if you put your recovery needs first. It can help to build a supportive network of others in recovery to serve as a home-base, allowing you to vent your frustrations and challenges in a non-judgmental environment.

Practice Good Time Management

Time management is a skill that must be learned and practiced before it becomes second nature. Many of us have lived a life of constant procrastination, allowing work to build up until the last minute and then becoming overwhelmed as the deadline approaches. This can lead to failure and unnecessary stress, which can, in turn, cause you to doubt your ability to succeed in the workplace. Try researching time management techniques or reading a book on productivity to pick up some great tips for making the most of every minute of the day. Fostering these skills will enable you to become an efficient worker, while also finding the time to actively participate in your recovery activities. However, time management also means knowing when to relax and schedule some off-time, allowing yourself to fully recharge before taking on the next day.

Take Care of Yourself, Inside and Out

The best way to simultaneously promote good work performance and success in recovery is to create healthy habits that help you feel your best. Find time to exercise regularly and eat well whenever possible. By keeping your energy up and enjoying the mood-elevating effects of exercise, you will increase productivity and prevent relapse at the same time. Self-care also means tending to your spiritual needs. Attending church or a religious service, meditating, or practicing yoga, can all contribute to feelings of wellbeing and gratitude, and help you to manage stress and overcome challenges in the workplace.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, now is the time to reach out for help. At Burning Tree Ranch, we specialize in long-term care that produces real results, especially for those who have experienced relapse. Here you will find a team of qualified and compassionate professionals, ready to help each client through a customized treatment program that addresses all aspects of addiction, including the identification of co-occurring disorders. We know that the journey towards recovery doesn’t end with the conclusion of an inpatient program, and therefore we provide extensive aftercare programs to best support our clients during their transition into lasting sobriety. We also know that addiction affects the whole family, and therefore loved ones are encouraged to participate in the recovery process and take advantage of all our support resources. For more information, call us today at 512-285-5900

Child custody battles can be messy and complex, and with the addition of substance abuse issues in one parent or both, the legality of the situation can overshadow the needs of the children. Most parents with substance abuse disorder deeply love their children, and many fear that by seeking out treatment they will be giving their spouse, or ex-spouse, ammunition against them in a custody trial. Treatment, however, is necessary for an addicted parent to become a fit caretaker and regain the ability to be present for their child. Parents struggling with addiction or family members concerned for the custody outcomes of children should educate themselves as much as possible about treatment options and resources that may be able to help.

Possible Custody Outcomes During Recovery

Courts usually try to grant custody to one or both parents if at all possible, as the main interest of the court is to ensure the wellbeing of the child. Unfortunately, addiction sometimes leads to legal trouble and endangering behavior that may result in the withdrawal of custody rights. Someone who has been arrested on a drug or alcohol-related charge, or who fails to submit to a drug test as part of a custody hearing, may be vulnerable to losing custody of their child. The type of addiction may become a factor in custody determinations as well, as courts usually consider addiction to methamphetamines more of a risk to the safety of the child than an addiction to alcohol. In many cases, custody decisions made by the court are temporary and come with a set of conditions that must be met before custody rights are reinstated. These conditions usually include some sort of recovery program and may ask that you join a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous. However, if you have tried quitting before and are prone to relapse, it may be time to consider a more in-depth approach. This may be a good time to check yourself into an inpatient recovery program to show the court, and your child, that you are doing everything possible to maintain your sobriety and become a fit parent.

Whether you have been mandated by the court to complete a recovery program, or you have chosen to participate in inpatient treatment, your child may have to stay with another parent or family member that can care for them while you are away. It can be very difficult to be away from your child for an extended period of time if you aren’t used to the separation, but it is important to keep in mind that by choosing the most extensive treatment program available, you are doing what is best for your child and becoming the parent they deserve. If you have small children, it can be difficult to explain your absence, but remember that they will grow to learn that you made the best decision you could for their wellbeing, when faced with the hardship of addiction.

After Treatment

If you have been legally ordered to complete a treatment program after having your custody withdrawn, you may have additional requirements to fulfill before you can be granted parental rights again. You may have to continue to take drug tests or show proof of participation in an outpatient treatment program. If your addiction caused you to lose your job or home, you will likely have to reestablish financial stability and prove that you are able to provide food and shelter for your child. Even after many of these requirements are met, you may only be granted supervised visitation until the court deems you to be fully recovered and fit for the care of a child.

Family dynamics after someone in the immediate family has completed an inpatient addiction recovery program vary greatly and may depend on your relationship with your child’s other caregiver. Whether you wish to reconcile a relationship with your spouse or learn how to effectively co-parent with an ex, many treatment centers offer extended family counseling that will teach you and your loved ones how to best facilitate a healthy and stable family unit for the child or children involved.

Getting Help

Becoming a parent is one of life’s greatest blessings and heaviest responsibilities. Addiction can cause you to neglect many of your responsibilities and hurt those you love the most, including your children. The guilt and shame that comes with an inability to provide for your children, emotionally or financially, can become overwhelming and lead those struggling with addiction and child custody issues to give up, and relapse. Your children deserve for you to keep fighting. Choosing to enter long-term, inpatient treatment may be your only path to lasting sobriety. Choose to make a change for the sake of your kids and yourself, and reach out to us today.

At Burning Tree Ranch, we specialize in long-term care that produces real results, especially for those who have experienced relapse. Here you will find a team of qualified and compassionate professionals, ready to help each client through a customized treatment program that addresses all aspects of addiction, including the identification of co-occurring disorders. We know that the journey towards recovery doesn’t end with the conclusion of an inpatient program, and therefore we provide extensive aftercare programs to best support our clients during their transition into lasting sobriety. We also know that addiction affects the whole family, and therefore loved ones are encouraged to participate in the recovery process and take advantage of all our support resources. For more information, call us today at 512-285-5900

Although addiction can happen to anyone, and there is no single personality type that accompanies addiction, there are certain traits and attributes that commonly occur alongside addiction. One personality profile that seems to show up often in treatment centers is the charming intellect. These are the people that charm the wits out of everyone they meet. They are smart, articulate, persuasive, and generally very likable. This personality is usually a defense mechanism preventing others from genuinely getting to know them. They may put this guard up to cover deep insecurity. They may also be narcissistic, egomaniacal, and believe they know best in all circumstances.

These people have a particularly difficult time finding value in addiction treatment programs, and often charm their way through recovery and right back into the real world where they quickly relapse. This particular type of addict often causes a great deal of stress, emotional pain, and financial harm to those that love them most. It can be challenging for family and friends of these types of people to continue to encourage them to seek treatment for their addiction when it seems as if nothing will work. The good news is that even those who believe they can out-charm and outsmart the recovery process can be given a much-needed reality check by the right professionals in the field of addiction recovery. A treatment center that sees past the charm and finds a way to help addicts correct self-destructive behavior is crucial to finding lasting recovery.

Charm as a Cover for Insecurity

People who always seem to have their charm turned all the way up, smiling and outwitting their way through every conversation, are often over-compensating for a genuine lack of confidence. People with strong self-esteem generally don’t feel the need to appear charming and likable to everyone they meet, and instead are comfortable being themselves and allowing others to take them or leave them. People with addictions commonly suffer from low self-esteem and lack of self-worth, and may have begun using substances as a way to numb their social anxiety or quiet the negative self-talk in their heads. When addicts use charm to disguise their insecurities, they keep those around them from establishing any genuine connection or creating intimacy. This is a coping mechanism and tactic that must be dismantled so that the addicted person can begin to foster healthy relationships in their life during recovery.

While overly charming people may be attempting to keep everyone at arm’s length with their lack of vulnerability, they are experiencing a deep fear of loneliness and isolation at the same time. Those who suffer from addiction tend to be more sensitive to rejection and criticism, and may use their charm to make people want to be their friend while they simultaneously refuse to establish any real emotional connection. Ultimately, charmers with addictions will employ their finely-honed skills of manipulation and persuasion to use and abuse those around them, including those who may be their only hope of recovery.

Charm as an Indicator of Narcissism

In some cases, excessive charm and emotional distancing through humor and wit may be a sign of narcissism. Narcissism is a character trait that takes hold early in life, possibly as a result of the betrayal of a caregiver, and is often marked by materialism, grandiosity, self-entitlement, attention-seeking, and a propensity towards manipulation. These people are especially difficult to treat for addiction because they often refuse to acknowledge their toxic behaviors and blame others for their problems. These types of people are so impressively persuasive, they often charm their way out of legal trouble and convince authority figures that they are to be pitied and offered lenience. Individuals with narcissistic behavior must be treated by highly intelligent professionals who can see past their manipulative games and attempts to outsmart the process.

Narcissism is a difficult personality trait to correct, but with the right strategies, breakthroughs can happen. Narcissism usually develops as a coping skill after an experience of significant pain. By breaking open the shell of inauthentic charm and beginning to heal from the inside out, even the most narcissistic of addicts can begin to recover. Highly intelligent narcissists may go through many treatment programs before they finally meet their match, but once they enter treatment under the care of people familiar with their personality type and prepared to handle their specific needs, they can finally have a transformative recovery experience. Nobody truly wants to remain addicted, and even those who believe they are somehow above treatment secretly wish that someone will see through them and establish human connection, allowing them to finally let their guard down and begin to heal.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, now is the time to seek help. At Burning Tree Ranch, we specialize in long-term care that produces real results, especially for those who have experienced relapse. Here you will find a team of qualified and compassionate professionals, ready to help each client through a customized treatment program that addresses all aspects of addiction, including the identification of co-occurring disorders. We know that the journey towards recovery doesn’t end with the conclusion of an inpatient program, and therefore we provide extensive aftercare programs to best support our clients during their transition into lasting sobriety. We also know that addiction affects the whole family, and therefore loved ones are encouraged to participate in the recovery process and take advantage of all our support resources. For more information, call us today at 512-285-5900

Addiction can be a selfish disease. People struggling with substance abuse may become self-centered to a certain degree to feed their addiction, and recovery requires an often-difficult transition back into a life of compassion. The best way to grow and foster this compassion in your life is to find ways to be of service to others. Being of service can take various forms, all of which have powerful effects on your brain as well as your spirit. For those that have a history of relapse, finding ways to dedicate your time and attention to the needs of others may be the key to unlocking lasting sobriety once and for all. Here are some ways being of service may help you stay on track and prevent relapse.

The Gratitude Factor

Gratitude is more than just feeling thankful. The experience of gratitude is deeply rooted in many spiritual practices as a necessary aspect of personal growth and transcendence. More recently, research has confirmed this ancient wisdom, finding that people who regularly practice gratitude are generally happier and have lower rates of mental illness. One way to practice gratitude is to find ways to help those less fortunate than you. It is hard to stay focused on your own troubles or wallow in self-pity when you are faced with the hardships of those around you. It is an important distinction, however, to feel gratitude for your blessings by taking action to lift others up, rather than to simply acknowledge the misfortune of others.

A Sense of Belonging

A major risk factor for addiction and relapse is a sense of social isolation. For many people new to recovery, finding places to connect with others in a sober environment can be a challenge. A great way to meet other sober and like-minded people is through service-oriented projects and volunteerism. This might mean offering your time and assistance to the recovery community by organizing support group meetings or becoming a supportive point of contact for those new to sobriety. You may choose to find a service project outside of addiction recovery by volunteering at a soup kitchen or animal shelter. Wherever you choose to focus your energy, you will be sure to find good people and the benefits of becoming a part of something bigger than yourself.

Improved Self-Esteem

Addiction can happen to anybody, but those recovering from substance abuse may still become overwhelmed with feelings of guilt, shame, and a lack of self-confidence. In early sobriety, it can be easy to beat yourself up over past mistakes. Unfortunately, becoming overly self-critical can lead to relapse as you find it increasingly difficult to believe in your ability to succeed. Discovering a way to help others and provide service or support can give you a sense of purpose and empowerment. It feels good to be needed, and by proving to yourself that you can do some real good in the world, you can start to believe in your own capacity for growth and positive change.

Acquire New Skills

Finding a way to be of service can also be an opportunity to learn something new. Whether it be developing social skills, learning about the inner workings of a non-profit, or picking up dog grooming tips at a shelter, expanding your knowledge base in any area can be fulfilling and fun. You may even find yourself with a new passion or hobby, or apply your new skills to a future job opportunity. Learning something new helps you stay busy and productive, and may open doors to further service opportunities in the future. Building a solid foundation for a sober lifestyle that involves new activities and opportunities is crucial in preventing relapse.

Finding Balance

Just as addiction can make it seem as if the world revolves around you alone, recovery can also cause you to become consumed with the details of your personal struggle and neglect other aspects of life. Finding a way to be of service to others can come as a welcome distraction when the stress of early recovery becomes overwhelming. Getting out of your usual environment and pushing your limits by trying new things can remind you that there is more to life than your addiction. Being of service isn’t only about hard work and selflessness, but can also be a fun, social, and enriching experience. Relapse can happen when the pressure of early sobriety, accompanied by the deeply emotional experience of working through mental illness and past trauma, all becomes too heavy to bear. Spending some time focused on something or someone entirely separate from yourself and your problems can lighten your emotional burden and give you a different perspective.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, now is the time to seek help. At Burning Tree Ranch, we specialize in long-term care that produces real results, especially for those who have experienced relapse. Here you will find a team of qualified and compassionate professionals, ready to help each client through a customized treatment program that addresses all aspects of addiction, including the identification of co-occurring disorders. We know that the journey towards recovery doesn’t end with the conclusion of an inpatient program, and therefore we provide extensive aftercare programs to best support our clients during their transition into lasting sobriety. We also know that addiction affects the whole family, and therefore loved ones are encouraged to participate in the recovery process and take advantage of all our support resources. For more information, call us today at 512-285-5900

When we think about getting clean and sober, we are likely to imagine treatment facilities, counselors, and twelve step meetings—each undoubtedly a significant part of recovery. Often overlooked is the vital roles diet and nutrition play in our ability to recover. Yet there is an impressive amount of research to back up the idea that our bodies, having often been severely malnourished while we drank and used to great excess, are far more likely to recover more fully and more quickly if reinvigorated by regularly eaten, nutritious food.

What our Bodies Endured While We Drank and Used

Some of us consumed drugs and drank to excess for many years, and in the process depleted our bodies and brains of the nutrients they needed to function properly. We may or may not have known about the physical and mental consequences of our behavior; nonetheless, our using and drinking behavior took its toll on us.

Research has shown that excessive alcohol use damages the body’s ability to absorb a whole host of micronutrients important to everything from forming nerve cells to building and strengthening bones. This happens because the intestinal lining, once damaged by alcohol, loses its ability to absorb the vitamins and minerals contained in the food we eat. Severe gastrointestinal and nervous system disorders can result from the vitamin and mineral deficiencies chronic alcohol use causes.

Drugs—both opiates and stimulants—also function by depleting the body and brain of crucial nutrients. While opiates can cause a range of gastrointestinal illnesses, drugs like meth and cocaine ravage the central nervous system. The result is that our brains and digestive tracts—areas of bodies responsible for producing mood-stabilizing chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine—cease to function properly. These effects are particularly dangerous to those of us newly recovering from substance use disorder, since we are far more likely to turn to our drug of choice when our bodies cannot naturally manufacture the means for making us feel good.

Nutritious Food to the Rescue

On the bright side of the equation, much of damage we did to our bodies while active in our addiction is reversible—assuming that, as we recover, we choose to eat mainly nutritious foods that contain the macro- and micronutrients our bodies and brains so desperately need to heal. Additionally, the balance between “good” and “bad” bacteria in our guts that our drinking and using damaged will receive the help it requires through our improved eating habits.

Here are some excellent guidelines for what (and how) to eat and drink during the first few months of recovery:

Eat breakfast daily. Before recovery, many of us skipped breakfast, but now we cannot afford to treat our bodies this way. Eating breakfast will jumpstart our metabolism; provide us with additional energy; balance our blood sugar levels, and help keep our hearts healthy. Protein, in the form of eggs, yoghurt, fresh fruit, and whole grains, are some of our best breakfast options.

Drink water throughout each day. While our bodies are composed of about 60% water, our blood is around 90% water. Our bodies and brains need water to function properly, and regularly consuming water helps keep us hydrated while supporting everything from kidney function to the health of our skin.

Eat fresh fruit and raw vegetables with each meal. By including these into your diet, you are likely to have lower blood pressure, a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke, have a lower risk of eye and digestive problems, and an improved blood sugar balance that may also help keep your appetite in check.

Include beans, nuts, or seeds with every meal and snack on them between meals. These are great sources of good carbohydrates, healthy fats, protein, iron, and zinc—all key components to keeping your recovering body healthy.

Things to Limit or Eliminate from Your Diet

While active in our addiction, the pleasure centers in our brains became “hijacked”. Whenever we wanted to feel different, we immediately went to our drug of choice, essentially because our brains had over time become programmed this way. As we began to recover, our brains began to heal, but many of us continued to feel the effects of our hijacked brains. When we wanted to feel different, our minds hypnotically pulled us toward our drug of choice. This caused some of us to be more likely to relapse than we were later in our recovery.

Some of us found that we benefited from avoiding some of the foods and drinks that caused us to feel super stimulated, and/or which spiked our blood sugar. Such foods and drinks mimicked the ways our hijacked brains had behaved in active addiction—something we could ill afford in early recovery. We avoided sodas, energy drinks, sweetened beverages, fried foods, and sugary sweets. When we did choose to drink and eat these things, we were careful to avoid overconsumption.

If we made a choice to place the importance of our recovery above everything else, it made sense to us to help our recovering bodies and brains heal. This strengthened our recovery and helped us to feel better physically and mentally. Begin your recovery today by calling Burning Tree Ranch at 972-962-7374. A healthy and sober life awaits you!

Dealing with cravings is one of the biggest challenges when recovering from addiction. Considering this, surprisingly little is known about cravings, what causes them, and how long they last. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4041083/] We do know they are typically linked to certain cues–people, places, and things we associate with drugs and alcohol. We also know that cravings aren’t constant. They come and go, peaking for a short time, then subsiding for a while. That means even the most intense craving won’t last forever. If you can deal with a craving for 20 minutes or so, you can relax for a bit until the next one comes along. Here are some strategies for dealing with cravings until they pass.

Don’t panic.

The first thing to remember when a craving hits is that cravings are a normal part of recovery. No one can recover from addiction without having to deal with cravings and even people with 20 years of sobriety still have cravings sometimes. A craving doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong or that your recovery is doomed. Cravings happen even when you’re doing great. Just acknowledge that you’re experiencing a craving and decide on a strategy to deal with it.

Distract yourself.

As noted above, a craving only lasts about 20 minutes or so. That can feel like a long time if you’re just sitting there doing nothing and you might even start feeling anxious about it, which only prolongs the craving. Instead, it’s a good idea to find some way to distract yourself until the craving passes. Anything that takes some attention is helpful–watching TV, playing a video game, going for a walk, or working on a project. The more attention you have to devote to your distraction, the less you notice your craving.

Substitute something else.

One strategy for dealing with cravings is to have a regular substitute. When breaking a habit, a substitution is easier than abstinence alone. It resolves the feeling that you should be doing something in response to a specific cue. If you have a substitute behavior, you can automatically do the substitute behavior without having to decide on a distraction. For example, if you’re used to getting home from work, sitting on the couch and having a beer, you can substitute soda or something so that the behavior pattern is less of a change from the one you’re used to. Or you could have a regular plan that when you have a craving, you automatically go for a walk.

Exercise.

Exercise is one of the best distractions or substitutions there is. Several studies have found that exercise can help reduce drug cravings. One study found that regular swimming reduced voluntary morphine consumption in opioid-dependent rats and another study found that running on a wheel reduced self-administered cocaine consumption in cocaine-dependent rats. [https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-exercise-help-conquer-addiction-2018122615641] Another small study of 38 people found that five participants of the group that got regular exercise remained abstinent after a year and 10 had reduced their drug use. This is thought to be because exercise changes the way your brain responds to stress so that cravings produce less anxiety and become more tolerable. Exercise also has other cognitive benefits, including better emotional regulation, more willpower, better memory, and better sleep.

Reach out.

When you experience a craving, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Call your sponsor or a supportive friend or family member. If you can, meet with someone in person. Getting together with someone for lunch or coffee or maybe even going to a meeting is a great way to weather a craving. The social contact reduces your stress and the presence of people who can support you and hold you accountable reduces the risk that you will give in to a craving.

Change your context.

While it’s great to practice strategies to deal with cravings without disrupting your life, sometimes the best thing to do is just get away. Some situations are just too much pressure and it’s better to remove yourself than to try to fight a craving and risk losing. This is especially true if you find yourself at a party or a bar where drinking or drug use is expected. Get away if you need to, even if it’s inconvenient.

Examine your thinking.

When under stress, like experiencing a craving, our thoughts can often make things worse. When you’re having a craving, you might be thinking something like, “this is awful; I can’t stand it; I’m going to relapse for sure.” In reality, a craving is unpleasant, but you can stand it and lots of people have cravings without relapsing. Practice telling yourself a more realistic story like, “This is uncomfortable, but I always knew there would be challenges in recovery. This craving will pass soon; I just have to be patient.”

Play the tape.

When a craving gets bad, you can always try playing the tape. This is when you think beyond the initial moment of gratification a relapse would bring and vividly imagine what happens next. Think of the disbelief and remorse you would feel if you relapsed. Imagine how disappointed your family and friends would be. Remember all the bad things addiction brought into your life and why you finally decided to get sober. Vividly imagining the negative consequences of a relapse can boost your willpower when you need it most.

Burning Tree Ranch specializes in treating chronic relapse in people with chemical dependency. We provide long-term support through residential and extended care programs that help our clients break their old patterns of addiction and learn new skills to support a healthier life. Our Dallas residential treatment program is focused on providing premium substance use treatment at an affordable cost. Contact us today for more information.